What can I say about Triangle of Death by Folleh Tamba that won't just come out mean and disaffected? It is a misguided documentary with no clear vision behind where it takes the viewer, which is unfortunate because there is an incredible amount of interesting material to work with here. Namely, the film features on-the-ground footage in Iraq, which is fascinating to watch. Unfortunately, it is all thrown into a mish mosh of interviews from a predetermined list of lame questions.
Mr. Tamba is a marine who shot the film alongside the other members of the Echo Company 3rd platoon of the 2nd battalion 24th Marines. His efforts are admirable , and as I said, the footage he got over there is amazing. Unfortunately, the film follows no clear narrative; no character relationships are built between the audience and the men being interviewed. Triangle of Death has one very specific goal, which is to glorify the work of the USMC.
Mr. Tamba, if you are out there listening, you have access to the most interesting story in America right now, so please give us something more interesting to watch. Make us really think, don't just tell us what you think. The film is littered with facts when all we needed was a single emotional investment in any one of the Marines featured in the film. Also, you pull the film in so many directions (anti-journalism, anti-anti-war, soldier stories, gory non-sequiturs, etc.) that we are never given the time to focus on one interesting facet of the abstraction that is war. It's a shame, again, because there is so much to work with.
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Just to let you know genius…the movie did have one specific goal…to glorify the work of the USMC. Being shot by a marine, I can surely understand why he would want to do this. These men and women who fought over there sacrificed much more than you did while blogging and sipping your coffee. Take your head out of your ass.
I had the wonderful opportunity to view this film at the GI film festival in Washington DC and it was incredible. It finally told the true tale behind the Iraqi war-the bravery, the reality of what our soldiers are really going through, and the unbelievable strides this one group made with the Iraqi citizens and soldiers toward achieving democracy. Each American soldier risked their lives to place this gift of security and freedom into these Iraqi citizens’hands. Yet the incredible part was how they did it with such determination, patience and support. The Triangle of Death shows the american soldier in the many critical roles he/she plays. These are roles that I would’ve never realized had I not been shown explicitly. The complex and heroic efforts of this marine troop will absolutely enlighten you and take your breath away as it evokes a sense of pride for your countrymen you will have felt only very few times in your life.
I suppose the reviewer of this film expected George Clooney to show up shooting a M16. This was a DOCUMENTARY, not a soap opera. The reviewer totally misses the point that marines are born with character and don’t need or want a touchy-feely, hold hands, see how tough we have it movie. These honorable men are heroes…PERIOD. The director is an African who was rescued by marines and swore that someday he would become one too. If the reveiwer had bothered to notice, this marine did not appear in any of the footage or promote himself. What a character!!!
Dear Jonathan,
This is Folleh Tamba the filmmaker of The Triangle of Death coming to you from Singapore, Well the purpose was indeed to glorify the the service members that are serving our beloved country. I am glad you could see that point. This film won the founder award at the GI film film festival, it also won at Macon Georgia film festivals. I am on another tour of duty which more important than me being present at your disposal for an interview! I’d rather be serving my country then answering your questions. Maybe you should watch the film again. Thanks for your review and God bless you and all our service members who fight for the right for you to write your flowery article!